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Iranians and the Sanctions

Regarding “For Iran’s sick, sanctions a matter of life and death” (News, Nov. 5): One month ago, the Iranian rial dropped in value by about 40 percent in just one week, and the consequences for Iranian society were grave. In addition, protests filled the streets near Tehran’s central bazaar and the people were angry — with their government and with the West.

The effects of the U.S.-led sanctions remain ever-present. Thomas Erdbrink’s report showed how Iran’s drug market is losing its ability to supply Iranians the medicines they need. Shouldn’t we now start questioning the wisdom of these sanctions?

At the outset, the sanctions, including embargoes, asset freezes and travel bans, were targeted on the government — precisely to avoid harming Iranian civilians. But are the sanctions working in the intended way? Are they legitimate? Are they stopping Iran’s nuclear enrichment? How will this particular sanctions regime effect the West’s use of soft power?

Johannes Makar, Leuven, Belgium

A version of this letter appears in print on November 6, 2012, in The International Herald Tribune. Today's Paper|Subscribe